The U.S. House of Representatives has started an app-designing contest for high school students across the country, in an effort to generate interest in science and math education.

“Sparking students’ interest in STEM fields is critical for a nation which has a strong history of innovative and technological achievement," said Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL).

Hultgren sat down beside some young people in December and tried his hand at computer coding, which “showed me the promise that our students have shown as the next generation of pioneers,” he said.

To compete, students 13 and older must submit their app’s source code online between February 1 and April 30 at http://studentappchallenge.house.gov/. They must also submit a video explaining their app and what the competition has taught them. A panel will select one winner for each participating congressional district by the end of May.

Students can also submit a detailed conceptual design for an app, instead of a full completed app. The app can be for any platform and operating system.

Winners will be featured at www.house.gov and in an exhibit at the U.S. Capitol.